Last year's Christmas windows were about 'building love'. This year's are about finding peace. As in the past, inspiration was taken from our December charity and current events. Our December charity this year is Jack.org. Last month, Healthy Minds Canada (formerly the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation) announced that it was merging with Jack.org and combining resources to strengthen the capabilities of both organizations. "Jack.org is the only national network of young leaders transforming the way we think about mental health. With initiatives and programs designed with the input of young people at every step, we will end stigma in our generation." With the charity and current events top of mind, the 'Wishing Peace on Earth and Peace of Mind' windows came into being. The idea was to create one window to represent peace on earth and the other to represent peace of mind. Whereas last year's windows were bright and bold, I wanted this year's to be calm and quiet. The execution was pretty straight forward. I began by learning how to make an Origami dove. The first few were a little tricky, but by the time I had made 400, it was like Zen and the art of paper folding. They were then strung on fishing line like strings of popcorn garland. Next I cut out and painted the earth and the silhouette. Then there was some forest foraging for fallen branches from which to hang the doves. Finally the messages were painted on paper squares, hung with twine and everything was installed.
During the month of December, we will be donating ten percent of the profits from each sale to Jack.org. If you would like to learn more about this exceptional organization or donate directly, please visit their website at
https://www.jack.org/
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, peace on earth, and peace of mind for the season and for 2018!
